Home Life Laurie Nigro Answering the call of the open road

Answering the call of the open road

 

I spend a lot of time and energy on my family. It’s what I do. It makes me happy and fulfills my need to be a good and loving caretaker. I get tremendous joy from their happiness. My family gives my life purpose and direction. And sometimes, they drive me to near insanity and make me want to run far, far away.

Every once in a while, I do. I go away and leave them behind. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t steal away in the middle of the night (though I’ve thought about it once or twice). It’s a well-planned and orchestrated event. I usually escape for one night. Generally, before I leave, I pack the fridge, clean up the house, leave a detailed itinerary of scheduled events, an extensive list of instructions for care of animals and the house and then check in a few times while I’m gone.

So maybe I have a hard time letting go. Don’t judge me. It’s like leaving newborn kittens to fend for themselves.

These people have a hard time remembering their own schedules; I can hardly expect that they will be able to keep track of someone else’s. This is all stuff that I keep stored away in my head (and my iPhone, because my brain fails me more often then I’d like to admit). There are appointments and classes, jobs and commitments. It can’t all fall apart simply because I’ve decided to cater to my mental health needs.

Finally, when I’m sure the people I love, adore and take care of are alive and well, and meeting their obligations, I can finally relax and enjoy my down time. Except that it takes me a while to realize that the friend that I’m visiting probably doesn’t want me to cut up her food. Or correct her grammar. And she especially doesn’t need me reminding her to clear her plate after dinner.

Eventually though, I let go. I acknowledge that my family is (most likely) well and even if they come out with battle wounds, they’ll probably live through the time away from me. So I indulge myself. I even use a smaller purse; one without the bandaids, sewing kit, medications, necessary first aid supplies, scissors and notepads. Look out, world. I am drunk with freedom and living on the edge.

I particularly look forward to the drive. I spent many driving years listening to children’s nursery rhymes sung poorly and repetitively and Sesame Street anthems that I love in theory, but that have gotten a little tired and twitch-inducing. We grew out of baby music, only to fall into a Neil Diamond phase (it’s a very long story, but suffice it to say the the lyrics to Cracklin’ Rose sound totally creepy when sung by a 4-year-old). But perhaps the worst stage was the pop/hip hop stage. No song had more then two words in a row without a silent burst where a curse word had been cut. Also, I quickly became disillusioned with Eminem’s recovery.

I treasure every single second where I can listen to my music, at a volume that my kids find painful and my husband thinks is “unhealthy.” What else am I supposed to do on a road trip? I am usually filled with road rage so music is the perfect solution for this savage beast. My favorite part is how I can sing along and be the completely awful singer that I am, without any repercussions. Not even I can hear the terribleness. It’s practically perfect in every way.

Eventually, I have to return home. Oddly, I even look forward to it. It doesn’t take a lot to recharge the system. A great friend, a decent nights sleep and the knowledge that I am the only one I have to take care of, is the perfect remedy. Any overwrought, stressed out and maxed out mommy can feel me on this one.

When I take care of myself, it seems way easier to take care of this house full of hooligans; ridiculous, needy and imperfect, brilliant, resilient and beautiful, they are who I am. And I love them with all I’ve got.

Nothing screams, “take me away” like a foot rub. Even if you’re ticklish, I suggest suffering through the initial horror to get to the good stuff. You can make your own foot care scrub in about a minute with some simple household items.

Foot Scrub

Ingredients

Sugar (brown, raw, white; whatever, you prefer)
Enough olive or coconut oil to make a slightly wet, but grainy paste
Essential oil of choice (peppermint is a popular one)

Mix them all together until well blended. Rub into feet and heels whenever you can escape for more then 4 minutes. Rinse. Store remaining product in a glass jar.

Do you keep a packed bag in your trunk, just in case they push you over the edge? Is there wine in it? Let me know at laurie@riverheadlocal.com.

SHARE
Laurie Nigro
Laurie is the mother of two biological children and one husband and the caretaker of a menagerie of animals. Laurie is passionate about frugal, natural living. She was recognized by the L.I. Press Club with a “best humor column” award in 2016. Email Laurie